Maries County Advocate

09/01/2025

Belle Country Belle Café closes after 12 years of serving community

Belle — After more than a decade of serving Greek favorites with hometown hospitality, Country Belle Café has officially closed its doors. Owners Gene and Sherry Licklider announced the sale of their restaurant and home above it, bringing an emotional end to a dream that became a cornerstone of Belle life.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.

Belle — After more than a decade of serving Greek favorites with hometown hospitality, Country Belle Café has officially closed its doors. Owners Gene and Sherry Licklider announced the …

09/01/2025

MOBUCK$ program highlighted during state treasurer’s visit to Haslag ranch in Belle

Belle — Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek toured LBH Ranch on Aug. 21 in Belle, using the Haslag family’s pasture-raised egg operation as a local example of how the state’s MOBUCK$-linked deposit program supports agriculture and small business growth.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.

Belle — Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek toured LBH Ranch on Aug. 21 in Belle, using the Haslag family’s pasture-raised egg operation as a local example of how the state’s …

08/31/2025

Belle screenwriter outlines Missouri’s shortfalls in film industry

VIENNA — Edward Gehlert, local writer and filmmaker, is making a passionate case for bringing a permanent film industry presence to Missouri, highlighting missed opportunities and urging immediate action from state and local officials.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.
https://mariescountyadvocate.com/stories/belle-screenwriter-outlines-missouris-shortfalls-in-film-industry,177954?

VIENNA — Edward Gehlert, local writer and filmmaker, is making a passionate case for bringing a permanent film industry presence to Missouri, highlighting missed opportunities and urging …

08/31/2025

Maries County Commission charts future course

VIENNA — The Maries County commission held a meeting Monday morning to discuss ongoing county projects, personnel changes and grant applications. A key topic was the transition of the SNAP Ed program staff to a university-affiliated role. Approximately 80 percent of staff will move to the new role, though the county office will maintain a local presence, with one specialist visiting about once a week or when needed.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.

VIENNA — The Maries County commission held a meeting Monday morning to discuss ongoing county projects, personnel changes and grant applications. A key topic was the transition of the SNAP Ed …

08/30/2025

Fun at the Marie’s Counry Fair!!!!!

08/30/2025

Lady Eagles shine in preseason opener at Richland Jamboree

VIENNA — The Vienna Lady Eagles opened their preseason Aug 22. at the Richland Jamboree with a three-inning contest against both Richland Bears and the Stoutland Tigers, showing both grit and firepower putting up 6 runs in the victories.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.
https://mariescountyadvocate.com/stories/lady-eagles-shine-in-preseason-opener-at-richland-jamboree,177950?

VIENNA — The Vienna Lady Eagles opened their preseason Aug 22. at the Richland Jamboree with a three-inning contest against both Richland Bears and the Stoutland Tigers, showing both grit and …

08/30/2025

Maries County Fair returns to Vienna, Aug. 28-30

Vienna — The Maries County Fair returns to Vienna this month, promising three days of family fun, live entertainment, and community tradition under the banner “The Best of the Midwest.” The fair will run Aug. 28–30, at the Vienna fairgrounds.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.

Vienna — The Maries County Fair returns to Vienna this month, promising three days of family fun, live entertainment , and community tradition under the banner “The Best of the …

08/29/2025

Maries County prepares for bridge projects after Labor Day

VIENNA — Maries County is set to begin a series of bridge construction projects following Labor Day, with work expected to take approximately 64 days per bridge.

Western District Commissioner Patrick Kleffner, who has been closely following the plans, said the projects are part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and maintain key transportation routes across the county.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.
https://mariescountyadvocate.com/stories/maries-county-prepares-for-bridge-projects-after-labor-day,177946?

VIENNA — Maries County is set to begin a series of bridge construction projects following Labor Day, with work expected to take approximately 64 days per bridge. Western District …

08/29/2025

Belle, Bland men killed in crash on Fourth Street in Owensville

Update: As of 10 a.m. today (Aug. 27) Tyler C. Schmidt, 26, of Bland was taken into custody in a felony no-bond warrant from Gasconade County for a class B felony alleging driving while intoxicated involving the death of two or more persons.. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is transferring him to the Osage County Jail.

OWENSVILLE —A second area man has died from his injuries following a single-vehicle off-road crash Sunday evening on Fourth Street south of the Owensville city limits and the driver was charged Tuesday morning on felony allegations of driving while intoxicated causing the deaths of both.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.
https://mariescountyadvocate.com/stories/fourth-street-crash-kills-two,177918?

OWENSVILLE —A second area man has died from his injuries following a single-vehicle off-road crash Sunday evening on Fourth Street south of the Owensville city limits and the driver was charged …

08/25/2025

Westside 42 Grill fires up flavor in Vienna

VIENNA — A new restaurant is bringing fresh flavors and community spirit to Vienna. Westside 42 Grill officially celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 16. The event drew residents, local officials, and regular customers to mark the occasion.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.
https://mariescountyadvocate.com/stories/westside-42-grill-fires-up-flavor-in-vienna,176911?

VIENNA — A new restaurant is bringing fresh flavors and community spirit to Vienna. Westside 42 Grill officially celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, Aug. …

08/25/2025

Maries County R-1 board, cheer coach review extracurricular compensation

VIENNA — The Maries R-1 Board of Education reviewed the extracurricular salary schedule with cheer coach Carrie Kleffner at the July 22 meeting.

Kleffner coaches both the high school and middle school cheer teams, but the extracurricular salary schedule does not include compensation for the middle school position.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.
https://mariescountyadvocate.com/stories/maries-county-r-1-board-cheer-coach-review-extracurricular-compensation,176913?

VIENNA — The Maries R-1 Board of Education reviewed the extracurricular salary schedule with cheer coach Carrie Kleffner at the July 22 meeting. Kleffner coaches both the high school and …

08/24/2025

Belle Fair Queen Nevaeh Kinsey competes in Missouri State Fair

The 77th Annual Belle Fair Queen, Nevaeh Kinsey had the opportunity of a lifetime to compete at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Kinsey competed in a professional interview, talent, speech and evening gown and was one of 33 across the state of Missouri to compete.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link below.
https://mariescountyadvocate.com/stories/belle-fair-queen-nevaeh-kinsey-competes-in-missouri-state-fair,176915?